Checklist 7.0

[Frederick L. Simson]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Herb P @ Jun 1 2007, 09:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Would you be willing to share your checklist?

I think I should start a separate thread...
[/quote]
Be careful what you ask for...

I actually have 3 situations, each covered by a separate checklist:

1. Full Hook-Up Campsite
2. Boondocking
3. Storage

Each checklist has 2 parts:

1. Arriving
2. Departing

So my checklist is actually 6 separate "pages", laminated into [b]3 (8-1/2" x 11") [b]recipe cards; 1 card for each situation. The "Arriving" part is on the front, and the "Departing" part is on the back.

I call it "Checklist 7.0" because the cards have gone thru 7 complete re-writes since I bought the trailer.
I have customized the instructions to be specific to my actual equipment as much as possible. They are color coded. They are presented in a logical order for my trailer.

Without further adieu, My 6 part checklist:

[Frederick L. Simson]

EXTERIOR ARRIVE CHECKLIST, FULL HOOK-UPS: (Blue = Optional task)

1. Remove anti-sway bar, and position Trailer as desired in campsite.
2. Observe Hoppy level on front of trailer; note number of inches out-of-level.
3. Stack leveling blocks next to low wheel, and then drive Trailer on to them.
4. Unlock storage trunk doors, and then Install 4 wheel chocks.
5. Disconnect trailer taillight plug from Tow Vehicle & stow coiled on tongue.
6. Disconnect Bargman Breakaway Switch & stow coiled on tongue.
7. Disconnect safety chains & set aside for stowing on WDH lift assemblies.
8. Install front jack wheel, and jack tongue up to relieve WDH pressure.
9. Unlatch WDH lift assemblies, and release chains. Close lift assemblies.
10. Remove WDH spring arms and set aside. Stow safety chains.
11. Jack tongue down until jack wheel just starts to rise off ground.
12. Unlock and open the hitch ball latch; then jack tongue up off hitch ball.
13. Move Tow Vehicle away from Trailer, enough to clear hitch space.
14. Jack tongue down, while observing Hoppy level on side of trailer.
15. Close and double lock hitch ball latch.
16. Unlock pin and remove WDH ball mount assembly and set aside.
17. Remove extended mirrors from Tow Vehicle and set aside.
18. Position & set stabilizer jacks (and leveling blocks) as needed.
19. Stow items previously set aside. Close and lock storage trunk doors.
20. Inspect Battery and add distilled water if necessary.
21. Unlock Trailer door, set out step. Open front window “rock guard.”
22. Connect 110-volt power cord to outlet on pole, and energize breaker(s).
23. Connect Cable TV cable from trailer jack to outlet on pole (if available).
24. Connect white water hose & pressure regulator from “City Water” port to campground faucet, and open faucet.
25. Connect sewer hose from port between Dump Valves to campground sewer port.
26. Observe gas regulator reserve switch, turn one propane tank valve on. Observe that the gas regulator indicator changes from red to green.
27. Light water heater pilot; turn thermostat on to “normal.”
28. Close Trailer door and “deploy” awning, weather permitting.

INTERIOR ARRIVE CHECKLIST, FULL HOOK-UPS: (Blue = Optional task)

1. Turn on circuit breakers for 110 volts.
2. Turn on refrigerator using instructions posted near controls inside.
3. Light oven pilot light. Set microwave oven’s clock.
4. Assemble & place “map” table. Install TV on ceiling mount shelf.
5. Place outside patio mat and furniture.
6. Open roof vent as needed, turn on “Fan-tastic Fan” as needed.
7. Open windows as needed.
8. Plug in and turn on electric cube heater or portable fan as needed.
9. Adjust window curtains and roll-up shade screens as desired.
10. Turn on lights as needed.

[Frederick L. Simson]

INTERIOR DEPART CHECKLIST, FULL HOOK-UPS: (Blue = Optional task)

1. Go outside and turn off both propane tank valves.
2. Sweep floor. Dump trash. Rubber Band Paper Towels.
3. Close and latch Windows. Close Curtains and shade screens.
4. Close Roof vent and turn off “Fan-tastic Fan” (both speed & direction).
5. Turn off refrigerator and install refrigerator door pin.
6. Turn “Duette” heater & oven controls to heater off / pilots off.
7. Verify water pump switch is off, and tank valve is closed.
8. Stow any separate portable equipment: TV, CD player, cube heater, fan.
9. Disassemble “map” table and stow on floor.
10. Cabinets, doors, & stove cover closed & rubber doorknob loops installed.
11. Stow Outside patio mat and furniture.
12. Turn all lights off; Turn both 110-volt circuit breakers off.

EXTERIOR DEPART CHECKLIST, FULL HOOK-UPS: (Blue = Optional task)

1. Observe that the propane regulator indicator changed from green to red.
2. Close Trailer Door and Stow Awning.
3. Unlock storage trunk doors.
4. Disconnect 110-volt shore power, and cable TV. Stow cables.
5. Dump black and gray holding tanks.
6. Disconnect white water hose, pressure regulator, & sewer hose; stow.
7. Turn off water heater. Ensure “City Water” inlet is capped tightly.
8. Close and latch front window “rock guard.”
9. Release stabilizer jacks and leveling blocks and set aside.
10. Install WDH ball mount assembly and lock pin to Tow Vehicle.
11. Install extended mirrors to Tow Vehicle.
12. Jack tongue up to clear hitch ball. Unlock & open coupler latch & jaw.
13. Position Tow Vehicle so hitch ball is under open coupler slightly forward.
14. Lower coupler with open jaw onto ball, close latch, and lock.
15. Jack connected hitch back up to pretension WDH.
16. Install WDH spring arms into WDH ball mount assembly.
17. Remove Safety Chains from WDH lift assemblies.
18. Install WDH chains at 6th link onto WDH lift assemblies, lift and latch.
19. Retract tongue jack, remove jack wheel and set aside.
20. Retract tongue jack completely, until crank stops.
21. Remove wheel chocks and set aside. Install anti-sway bar (if safe!)
22. Install safety chains to Tow Vehicle in the “cross and cradle” pattern.
23. Install trailer’s Bargman Breakaway Switch to Tow Vehicle.
24. Connect trailer taillight plug to Tow Vehicle.
25. Pull forward off of leveling blocks, pack blocks, and set aside.
26. Stow items previously set aside. Close and lock storage trunk doors!
27. Stow step, Close and lock Trailer door. Install rubber doorknob loop!
28. Test Trailer’s: turn signal / running/side marker / brake / back-up lights.
29. Walk around inspection: Check area for dropped items, then Depart.

[Frederick L. Simson]

That was just the 1st laminated card!
Arrive on one side, Depart on the other side.

[Frederick L. Simson]

EXTERIOR ARRIVE CHECKLIST, BOONDOCKING: (Blue = Optional task)

1. Remove anti-sway bar, and position Trailer as desired in campsite.
2. Observe Hoppy level on front of trailer; note number of inches out-of-level.
3. Stack leveling blocks next to low wheel, and then drive Trailer on to them.
4. Unlock storage trunk doors, and then Install 4 wheel chocks.
5. Disconnect trailer taillight plug from Tow Vehicle & stow coiled on tongue.
6. Disconnect Bargman Breakaway Switch & stow coiled on tongue.
7. Disconnect safety chains & set aside for stowing on WDH lift assemblies.
8. Install front jack wheel, and jack tongue up to relieve WDH pressure.
9. Unlatch WDH lift assemblies, and release chains. Close lift assemblies.
10. Remove WDH spring arms and set aside. Stow safety chains.
11. Jack tongue down until jack wheel just starts to rise off ground.
12. Unlock and open the hitch ball latch; then jack tongue up off hitch ball.
13. Move Tow Vehicle away from Trailer, enough to clear hitch space.
14. Jack tongue down, while observing Hoppy level on side of trailer.
15. Close and double lock hitch ball latch.
16. Unlock pin and remove WDH ball mount assembly and set aside.
17. Remove extended mirrors from Tow Vehicle and set aside.
18. Position & set stabilizer jacks (and leveling blocks) as needed.
19. Stow items previously set aside. Close and lock storage trunk doors.
20. Inspect Battery and add distilled water if necessary.
21. Unlock Trailer door, set out step. Open front window “rock guard.”
22. Fill water supply tank.
23. Connect “Port-A-Way’st” tank to port between dump valves with either short yellow hose, or gray hose. Keep “black” dump valve closed!
24. Observe gas regulator reserve switch, turn one propane tank valve on. Observe that the gas regulator indicator changes from red to green.
25. Light water heater pilot; turn thermostat on to “normal.”
26. Close Trailer door and “deploy” awning, weather permitting.

INTERIOR ARRIVE CHECKLIST, BOONDOCKING: (Blue = Optional task)

1. Test battery voltage at 12-volt outlet below water pump switch.
2. Turn on refrigerator using instructions posted near controls inside.
3. Open water tank valve and turn on water pump switch. Siphon kitchen faucet if necessary to get pressure built up.
4. Light oven pilot light.
5. Assemble & place “map” table. Install TV on ceiling mount shelf.
6. Place outside patio mat and furniture.
7. Open roof vent as needed, turn on “Fan-tastic Fan” as needed.
8. Open windows as needed.
9. Turn on “Duette” furnace as needed.
10. Adjust window curtains and roll-up shade screens as desired.
11. Turn on lights as needed.
12. Plug inverter into extra battery and energize for TV or CD player if desired.

[Frederick L. Simson]

INTERIOR DEPART CHECKLIST, BOONDOCKING: (Blue = Optional task)

1. Go outside and turn off both propane tank valves.
2. Sweep floor. Dump trash. Rubber Band Paper Towels.
3. Close and latch Windows. Close Curtains and shade screens.
4. Close roof vent and turn off “Fan-tastic Fan” (Both speed & direction).
5. Turn off refrigerator and install refrigerator door pin.
6. Turn “Duette” heater & oven controls to heater off / pilots off.
7. Turn off water pump, close valve between fresh water tank and pump.
8. Stow any separate portable equipment: TV, CD player
9. Disassemble “map” table and stow on floor.
10. Cabinets, doors, & stove cover closed & rubber doorknob loops installed.
11. Stow outside patio mat and furniture.
12. Turn all lights off.

EXTERIOR DEPART CHECKLIST, BOONDOCKING: (Blue = Optional task)

1. Observe that the propane regulator indicator changed from green to red.
2. Close Trailer Door and Stow Awning.
3. Unlock storage trunk doors.
4. Dump gray holding, and fresh water supply tanks using tote at site.
5. Disconnect “Port-A-Way’st” tote and hose, and stow.
6. Turn off water heater.
7. Close and latch front window “rock guard.”
8. Release stabilizer jacks and leveling blocks and set aside.
9. Install WDH ball mount assembly and lock pin to Tow Vehicle.
10. Install extended mirrors to Tow Vehicle.
11. Jack tongue up to clear hitch ball. Unlock & open coupler latch & jaw.
12. Position Tow Vehicle so hitch ball is under open coupler slightly forward.
13. Lower coupler with open jaw onto ball, close latch, and lock.
14. Jack connected hitch back up to pretension WDH.
15. Install WDH spring arms into WDH ball mount assembly.
16. Remove Safety Chains from WDH lift assemblies.
17. Install WDH chains at 6th link onto WDH lift assemblies, lift and latch.
18. Retract tongue jack, remove jack wheel and set aside.
19. Retract tongue jack completely, until crank stops.
20. Remove wheel chocks and set aside. Install anti-sway bar (if safe!)
21. Install safety chains to Tow Vehicle in cross and cradle pattern.
22. Install trailer’s Bargman Breakaway Switch to Tow Vehicle.
23. Connect trailer taillight plug to Tow Vehicle.
24. Pull forward off of leveling blocks, pack blocks, and set aside.
25. Stow items previously set aside. Close and lock storage trunk doors!
26. Stow step, Close and lock Trailer door. Install rubber doorknob loop!
27. Test Trailer’s: turn signal / running/side marker / brake / back-up lights.
28. Walk around inspection: Check area for dropped items.
29. Find dump station for Black holding tank, if available, then Depart.

[Frederick L. Simson]

That was just the 2nd laminated card!
Arrive on one side, Depart on the other side.

[Frederick L. Simson]

EXTERIOR ARRIVE CHECKLIST, STORAGE:

1. Remove anti-sway bar, and position Trailer as desired in storage.
2. Observe Hoppy level on front of trailer; note number of inches out-of-level.
3. Stack leveling blocks next to low wheel, and then drive Trailer on to them.
4. Unlock storage trunk doors, and then Install 4 wheel chocks.
5. Disconnect trailer taillight plug from Tow Vehicle & stow coiled on tongue.
6. Disconnect Bargman Breakaway Switch & stow coiled on tongue.
7. Disconnect safety chains & set aside for stowing on WDH lift assemblies.
8. Install front jack wheel, and jack tongue up to relieve WDH pressure.
9. Unlatch WDH lift assemblies, and release chains. Close lift assemblies.
10. Remove WDH spring arms and set aside. Stow safety chains.
11. Jack tongue down until jack wheel just starts to rise off ground.
12. Unlock and open the hitch ball latch; then jack tongue up off hitch ball.
13. Move Tow Vehicle away from Trailer, enough to clear hitch space.
14. Jack tongue down, while observing Hoppy level on side of trailer.
15. Close and double lock hitch ball latch. Install tire covers.
16. Unlock pin and remove WDH ball mount assembly and set aside.
17. Remove extended mirrors from Tow Vehicle and set aside.
18. Stow items previously set aside. Close and lock storage trunk doors.
19. Inspect Battery and add distilled water if necessary.
20. Unlock Trailer door, set out step.

INTERIOR ARRIVE CHECKLIST, STORAGE: (Blue = Optional task)

1. Turn on lights as needed.
2. Empty and turn off refrigerator. Install door pin (door open) for ventilation.
3. Empty food cupboard of items specific to trip. Note staple items, kept at all times, which require replenishment.
4. Gather and remove all soiled items to be taken home for cleaning.
5. Sweep floor. Dump trash.
6. Turn all lights off.
7. Stow step, Close and lock Trailer door. Install rubber doorknob loop!

[Lisa M.]

Believe me, I will keep track of your checklist! I can't imagine anything so comprehensive! But I'll tell you...I'm starting to rethink this whole buying a trailer issue--maybe it's too much for me after all!

[Frederick L. Simson]

24 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECKLIST, STORAGE:

1. Observe gas regulator reserve switch, turn one propane tank valve on.
2. Observe that the gas regulator indicator changes from red to green.
3. Turn on refrigerator using instructions posted near controls inside.

INTERIOR DEPART CHECKLIST, STORAGE:

1. Go outside and turn off both propane tank valves.
2. Sweep Floor. Dump Trash. Rubber Band Paper Towels.
3. Close and latch Windows. Close Curtains and shade screens.
4. Close roof vent and turn off “Fan-tastic Fan” (Both speed & direction).
5. Turn off refrigerator and install refrigerator door pin.
6. Turn “Duette” heater & oven controls to heater off / pilots off.
7. Turn off water pump, close valve between fresh water tank and pump.
8. Stow any separate portable equipment: TV, CD player, cube heater, fan.
9. Disassemble “map” table and stow on floor.
10. Cabinets, doors, & stove cover closed & rubber doorknob loops installed.
11. Stow outside patio mat and furniture.
12. Turn all lights off; Turn both 110-volt circuit breakers off.

EXTERIOR DEPART CHECKLIST, STORAGE: (Blue = Optional task)

1. Observe that the propane regulator indicator changed from green to red.
2. Unlock storage trunk doors. Remove and stow tire covers.
3. Verify that the “City Water” inlet is capped tightly.
4. Ensure front window “rock guard” is closed and latched.
5. Install WDH ball mount assembly and lock pin to Tow Vehicle.
6. Install extended mirrors to Tow Vehicle.
7. Jack tongue up to clear hitch ball. Unlock & open coupler latch & jaw.
8. Position Tow Vehicle so hitch ball is under open coupler slightly forward.
9. Lower coupler with open jaw onto ball, close latch, and lock.
10. Jack connected hitch back up to pretension WDH.
11. Install WDH spring arms into WDH ball mount assembly
12. Remove Safety Chains from WDH lift assemblies.
13. Install WDH chains at 6th link onto WDH lift assemblies, lift and latch.
14. Retract tongue jack, remove jack wheel and set aside.
15. Retract tongue jack completely, until crank stops.
16. Remove wheel chocks and set aside. Install anti-sway bar (if safe!)
17. Install safety chains to Tow Vehicle in cross and cradle pattern.
18. Install trailer’s Bargman Breakaway Switch to Tow Vehicle.
19. Connect trailer taillight plug to Tow Vehicle.
20. Pull forward off of leveling blocks, pack blocks, and set aside.
21. Stow items previously set aside. Close and lock storage trunk doors!
22. Stow step, Close and lock Trailer door. Install rubber doorknob loop!
23. Test Trailer’s: turn signal / running/side marker / brake / back-up lights.
24. Walk around inspection: Check area for dropped items, then Depart.

[Frederick L. Simson]

That was just the 3rd laminated card!
Arrive on one side, Depart on the other side.

[Frederick L. Simson]

But I'll tell you...I'm starting to rethink this whole buying a trailer issue--[b]maybe it's too much for me after all!

Please don't think that!
I went to all this trouble so that [b]Robert can follow these instructions, unassisted, and get the trailer set up or broken down by himself. I drew on my experience as a NAVY Instructor, and wrote a complete set of instructions, trying to be concise, yet leaving nothing out.

When we have friends camp with us, I have nothing to do! Robert & they do it all and are gaining confidence that they are doing it correctly!

[Frederick L. Simson]

I have done some recent mods. Solar Panels. TV antenna. Reinforced shelf & Hold down straps so that the TV can ride on the shelf, and not have to be put away when traveling.

So next I'll be writing Checklist 8.0.

[Herb P]

I have done some recent mods. Solar Panels. TV antenna. Reinforced shelf & Hold down straps so that the TV can ride on the shelf, and not have to be put away when traveling.

That's awesome! Thanks Frederick.

quick question. You turn on the water heater. My dad tells me to turn off the water heater at night because he says it sounds like a jet engine when it engages at night... Mine does actually sound loud. So do you turn it off at bedtime and back on in the morning?

Very comprehensive though. Thanks!

[Bonnie]

Thank you sooooo much for posting these wonderfully, complete checklists. I will be using and adapting them, as I move from a tent to a little egg. (really soon now! ). I too had some doubts about being able to do this myself, but now I'm confident I can work things out.

Bonnie

[Frederick L. Simson]

You turn on the water heater. My dad tells me to turn off the water heater at night because he says it sounds like a jet engine when it engages at night... Mine does actually sound loud.

So do you turn it off at bedtime and back on in the morning?

[b]The Water Heater? No. I do not notice it and Robert has not complained about it,so we leave the Water Heater going all night.
However, when we are Boondocking, I tend to shut off the [b]Water Pump at night. It randomly activates, I believe, due to pressure "leakage" at the City Water connection. I compare IT's sound to a Semi Tractor's Jake Brake! But then I sometimes forget to turn it back on during a middle-of-the-night bathroom trip, and can't flush the toilet until I do.

[Frederick L. Simson]

I cannot claim full credit for this list. Pre-Hack, there was a topic about checklists. I took a list that Dan Meyer had posted, and expanded upon it.

[Victor Benz]

What an impressive organization of your lists!!!

My family has bugged me for years about my predilection for checklists, but I must now bow down to and acknowledge the
true King of Checklists.

[Mary F]

[b]The Water Heater? No. I do not notice it and Robert has not complained about it,so we leave the Water Heater going all night.

We have one of those fancy "on demand" water heaters in our '99 Casita: When we need hot water, I demand my husband go out and light the water heater. When we no longer need it, I demand he go out and shut it off.

This was how my dad's travel trailer's water heater worked, too.

He thought it saved propane. I think it saves water*.

*I will use less water for incidental washings if it's not warm!

[Byron Kinnaman]

That's a very complete check list(s).

I wonder how many would follow such an extensive list?

Here's my suggestions for creating a check list of your own.

1. What's the purpose of your check list?
For me it's an aid to remember the more important items. I don't use a check list when setting up to camp. The only major rule I have is to chock the trailer before unhitching. You may feel there's things you don't want to forget, but keep the list small.

2. When creating a check list ask yourself what the results of not adding something to list.

3. The idea of a two sided card is a good one. I have 3x5 cards with my check list on each side. One side for inside the trailer, the outside list is on the other side.


4. Inside list contains items like, windows closed and latched, vent closed, fridge door latched, cupboard doors closed and latched. That type of thing.

5. Outside list contains items like, stableizers stowed, fridge off (my controls are outside), power cord stowed, propane off.

6. Then a second outside list is for after it's been hitched up that contains things like coupler latched and locked (I have keyed lock for coupler), the stinger pin in place and locked (locking pin), safety chains attached, lights connected and checked, tongue jack raised and stowed.

The wording on each item is short, one word if possible. It all has to fit on 2 sides of a 3x5 card. Short and one word because it's ment to be a reminder and usually a word or two will work. The 3x5 card is an easy size to carry around and store. I keep several with the corner stuck behind the back splash. Easy to find and if loose one there's more.

The items are selected that would cause some not very nice things to happen if forgotten.